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Beverley Courtney
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Keeping Tabs: A Women’s Fiction Novel of Renewal and Re-invention (Dilemmas and Discovery Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Beverley Courtney (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
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She’s been backed into a corner. Can she find the inner strength to follow her dreams?

Tabitha Morpeth feels trapped. Despite the company of her beloved dogs and the attention of a secret and gentle lover, the children’s theater teacher can’t escape the pains of her loveless, unconsummated marriage. So when her self-centered spouse demands she move overseas with him to support his career, she faces a choice she’s not ready to make.

As the days count down and her spouse’s incessant drinking exacerbates his behavior, the distressed woman longs for a way out that won’t shatter her financial security. But even when she’s headhunted by a prestigious national drama academy and finds unexpected help from friends, she’s not sure she has the courage to let herself be free…

Can Tabitha come out of her shell and embrace a new destiny?

Keeping Tabs is the first book in an intriguing women’s fiction series and can be read standalone. If you like deeply emotional journeys, complex characters, and surprise endings, then you’ll adore Beverley Courtney’s captivating story.

Buy Keeping Tabs for a tale of transformation today!

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Dilemmas and Discovery
  2. Print length
    254 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    October 20, 2020
  6. File size
    3140 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A heart-warming and engaging read"I really enjoyed this novel and found it a page-turner, from the vivid opening scene right through to the conclusion. I very easily became involved with the protagonist, Tabitha, wanting to cheer and encourage her on to fulfil her potential, have a happy life and remove the obstacles in her way. The story is peppered with interesting characters, real multi-sided people not clichés. Not least of these characters are the dogs who feature strongly in Tabitha's life. The descriptions of the solace and comfort Tabitha gets from her dogs are very touching and enrich the story. The details about the dogs, Tabitha's approach to them and her delight and engagement with the dog trainer give the writing authenticity. Only to be expected of course from this author whose love and depth of experience with dogs shines through! Another highlight for me was the evocative description of different landscapes. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a heart-warming and engaging read." Amazon UK 5* review

Insightful, thought-provoking and uplifting
"I was immediately engrossed in this very readable novel. Following Tabitha's journey through struggles, awakenings and active steps taken during her process of taking control of her life, was engaging and heartwarming. The author gives us insight into Tabitha's thought processes and emotions, helping us to understand just what significant changes she manages to make and the courage it takes to achieve these. Events and other characters are woven sympathetically into the mix to support and enrich the story. I found this an insightful, thought-provoking and uplifting book." Angela L

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08KTP8DZK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quilisma Books (October 20, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 20, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3140 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 254 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B08L3XC8DW
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

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Beverley Courtney

Beverley Courtney

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Beverley Courtney has two strings to her bow! First, she is the author of the popular Brilliant Family Dog series of step-by-step, force-free dog training books.

And she is now emerging as a serious novelist, with her Literary Fiction novels "Keeping Tabs" and "Seeking Clarity", dealing with issues that so many women experience.

Beverley has lived with dogs all her life. She qualified her Battersea Dogs’ Home rescue Poppy as a Working Trials Champion - and has enjoyed herself hugely for many years helping new owners with their dogs and puppies through her books, classes, and online courses.

Using the latest scientific breakthroughs in dog behaviour, with a no-force / no-blame / no-shame approach, she is dedicated to improving communication between owner and dog. Once you jettison the idea that it’s a one-way process (“I said SIT”) and start understanding how your dog learns, training becomes a breeze.

Her fresh approach has helped hundreds of families discover the joy of choice-based training. The first four books address the four "Essential Skills for a Brilliant Family Dog" (yes! there are just four!), featuring one of her students’ favourite skills - getting their frantic puppy to relax!

Beverley’s next three books address the tricky problem many dog-owners experience - of having a dog who barks and reacts to other dogs. Or people. Or bikes … Drawing on her own experience with her “Growly Dog” Lacy, together with extensive study, she brings the gentle and humorous approach that her readers love. There is no blame or shame here - just empathy, understanding, and masses of how-to’s to get you enjoying your walks with your dog again.

Get yourself a really useful dog, by mastering the retrieve with "Fetch It!", so that after an enjoyable walk playing ball or frisbee, she can fetch your slippers and the tv remote for you!

And new puppy-owners, so often lost and at sea in this new world, can get things right from the start. "New Puppy!" will remove the frustration and guide you to build an unbreakable bond with your pup.

Connect with me! I love hearing from readers ...

www.brilliantfamilydog.com for force-free dog training

www.beverleycourtney.com for everything else!

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
28 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sue B.
5.0 out of 5 stars A story that will leave you thinking about your own life, dreams and choices.
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
Every woman who has struggled with making herself a priority or who has allowed negative statements from others to occupy their thoughts will enjoy reading this book. Many themes can be found in the chapters of this book making it a perfect read for book clubs. My advice is to get this book and spend a wonderful weekend reading it! A fun read with an important message for women of all ages. I look forward to future books from this author.
Sometimes the only thing holding us back from achieving our dreams is ourselves. This is a wonderful story that explores the journey the main character, Tabitha took from questioning her own value to becoming a self-confident businesswoman. A bombshell statement from her husband is the impetus that propels Tabitha forward in her transformation to her true self. Only when she is forced to make decisions and take responsibility for her choices can Tabitha begin to receive the opportunities that life has waiting for her. As the story unfolds, several other characters are able to make positive changes in their lives as well showing the connection and impact we have on others. As an added bonus, Melanie, a dog-trainer in the story, offers insights into working with dogs that parallels Tabatha’s techniques for working with her drama students at her school, Shooting Stars.
2 people found this helpful
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JanLPN
4.0 out of 5 stars Finding ones’ self & starting over
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
I did like this novel, it was interesting, delving into the world of teaching Drama to children. I enjoyed the strong friendships made, the blossoming of new assertion. I disliked the overly long self narratives of Tabitha blaming herself, questioning herself, beating herself up over failing to surrender, be the subservient, dutiful wife, even in her thoughts! That part got old.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2022
I was supposed to be reading another book for my book club, but started Keeping Tabs and could not put it down until I finished it. Tabitha was so relatable, as was the triumpant story regarding the trials of a woman who is extremely gifted but has been convinced by those she loves that she is not. Beverley Courtney is an amazing writer. The story is well written intertwining the lives of the children she teaches, her abusive husband, her adorable rescues, and her own life. I am looking forward to more from Beverley.
One person found this helpful
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CVZ
5.0 out of 5 stars A matter of choice
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2020
For those unfamiliar with Beverley Courtney's many and varied talents, this novel is an excellent introduction to her. Though a work of fiction, the author's approach to real life challenges clearly shines through her impassioned narrative. The novel may not be a relaxing read, but it is compelling. At times I wanted to scream at the protagonist to "Just get on with it!" But really, how many of us have never obsessively tortured ourselves over a decision to be made, possibly arriving at the What-Choice-Do-I-Have conclusion. The characters are diverse--you may know some of them (I include dogs here!), or, you may identify with one or more of them yourself, perhaps even one of the antagonists....
One person found this helpful
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Robin B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Life Lessons from Beginning to End
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021
I wasn't sure what I would get out of this book but I love Beverley's style of writing (from reading her dog books) so I bought it. It is so readable, and has you going through a range of emotions as you follow the well developed characters through their lives. Even though I am not looking to make major changes in my life there are so many other inspiring lessons in this book that made it a very worth while read for me. Including the dogs in the story was a bonus! Looking forward to more from Beverley.
One person found this helpful
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Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with fascinating surprises!
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
Many of us know Beverley Courtney as a skilled dog trainer, effective communicator, and brilliant portrait artist. Her first novel shows that she is also an engaging storyteller of women’s fiction. The characters, dialogue, and plot are relatable, natural, and believable. If this is what she presents for her first novel, I look forward to her future releases. Please read this book; it is filled with fascinating surprises that will help you to believe that changing your life and achieving your dreams are possible despite any obstacles!
One person found this helpful
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olivia butler
5.0 out of 5 stars Changes can be made in life
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
Good read, cant put it away until finished. relatable to life.
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Top reviews from other countries

Leanne C
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.It was very well written and really kept your attention. I read it at the right time in my life, as I could identify with so much of what Tabatha was going through and could feel her pain. Without giving too much of the book away, it was so encouraging to see how she started to fly and how things were changing,in a good way,once she gave herself the chance and found the courage to keep moving forward. I’m looking forward to Beverley’s next book.
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Gerald Palmer
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2020
Verified Purchase
I love this book! It’s is well written with enough detail to keep you interested but not too much that you skip a few lines. The storyline is inspiring, captivating and truly enjoyable. It is the perfect book to unwind with. The print font is a great size - not too big and not too small! Small print puts me right off a book! If you are stuck for something to buy your mum or sister or wife then it’s a great buy and for less than a tenner it’s a no brainer! I can’t wait to see if there will be more. Sit back, relax, unwind and enjoy!
2 people found this helpful
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Christine Tempest
3.0 out of 5 stars Predictable happy ending.
Reviewed in Australia on January 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
If only life worked like this. Women stay in unhappy relationships because it is so hard for them to survive alone in the world.
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Morag Sutherland
5.0 out of 5 stars A really enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
I happened upon this book whilst looking up one of the author's other books and was intrigued to see something so different. An impulse purchase I'm very glad to have made.
The characters are interesting and the plot keeps you involved all the way. A really enjoyable book for long dark evenings. I hope this is not the author's last venture into fiction.....
2 people found this helpful
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Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
I couldn't put this book down. I wonder how many of us can identify with Tabitha. She reminds us how important our true friends are. I loved the very end, not what I was expecting!
2 people found this helpful
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